British cuisine has earned international recognition with the publication of a guide to the world's top 50 restaurants.

Five UK eateries are on the list, which will appear in the next edition of Restaurant magazine when it is published on Wednesday.

Highest among them is Gordon Ramsay, in London's Chelsea. The restaurant, named after its footballer-turned-chef owner, came second in the world.

World's Top 10 Restaurants

1. El Bulli - Barcelona, Spain

2. Gordon Ramsay - Chelsea, London

3. The French Laundry - Napa Valley, California

4. Rockpool, Sydney, Australia

5. Spoon, Mauritius

6. Augerge De l'ill - Alsace, France

7. 1884 - Mendoza, Argentina

8. The Ivy - London

9. Eigensinn Farm - Ontario, Canada

10. Tetsuya, Australia

It was beaten out of the top spot by El Bulli, in Barcelona, Spain, where the waiting list for a table is said to be a year.

The Ivy - a London restaurant popular with celebrities - was eighth on the list, which was compiled by some of the most respected restaurateurs, food writers and celebrities.

Celebrities

The magazine interviewed more than 50 experts and gourmands, asking them to name their five favourite restaurants in the world.

Actor Roger Moore was among those asked for his input, as were celebrity chefs Brian Turner, Anthony Worral Thompson and Raymond Blanc.

Second place winner Gordon Ramsay also participated.

Roger Moore named his favourite restaurants

Other top-rated restaurants in the UK were The Merchant House, in Ludlow, Shropshire (number 19), The Three Chimneys, on the Isle of Skye (number 28), and London's River Cafe (number 31).

Chris Maillard, editor of the Restaurant, said: "Restaurant Magazine was determined to put together the definitive list in international dining and we were fortunate enough to call upon some of the most respected and renowned culinary experts in the world.

"We believe that this is the first time a list of such far-flung and eclectic restaurants has been compiled into one list, by people who actively work and promote this fast-moving industry.

"Our list of the top 50 restaurants represents not only an achievement in terms of its regional diversity but also enables the reader to make these great restaurants destination choices."